The World Games
Here is a collection of interesting facts and figures from the World Games major sporting event.
- In October 1979, it was announced that the first World Games were to be held in Santa Clara, California.
- In May 1980, a group of non-Olympic International Federations gathered in Seoul to form the International World Games Association (IWGA) with representation from 12 sports. But, this launch was overshadowed by the growing crisis as American President, Jimmy Carter, campaigned for the boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
- The inaugural World Games were in 1981, hosted by Santa Clara, California, USA.
- The second World Games were hosted by London in the summer of 1985. But, it took the financial intervention of Japanese building ship tycoon, Riochi Sasakawa to ensure the event took place.
- In 1989, Karlsruhe hosted the first games to be attended by an IOC President. They were also the first to have a mascot, a peacock called "Karlchen," which was decorated with the city motto "Fidelitas."
- One of the demonstration sports in 1989 was Boomerang throwing (among others). This was the first time there were demonstrations sports at The World Games.
- Fin swimmer, Serghei Akhapov won 13 medals and set a world record for 200 meters with flippers of 1:25.70.
- The 1997 World Games were awarded to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. But, only two years before they were due to take place, it was announced that they were to be moved on account of a change in political priorities. Within three months, a deal had been signed for Lahti in Finland to step in.
- In 2009, The World Games were held in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. This competition was politically charged because although athletes from the People's Republic of China competed in the sport, they snubbed the opening ceremony where Taiwanese head of state, Ma Ying-jeou was present.
- In 2013, the organizers made the mistake of putting the words "word games" instead of "world games" on one thousand medals.
- In 2013, due to safety concerns at the Del Pueblo Gymnasium, the Rhythmic Gymnastics Ribbons event was canceled at the last moment.
- In 2017, women's lacrosse became part of the programme for the first time.
- The 2022 World Games were originally scheduled to be held in 2021, but were postponed by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The World Games 2022 featured World Lacrosse Sixes, a shorter, faster-paced version of the sport akin to rugby sevens that was launched in 2020.
- The USA has hosted the Games twice, in 1981 and 2022. The games have also been held in Germany twice, West Germany in 1989 and Germany in 2005.
- The 2029 World Games will again be held in Karlsruhe, Germany, 40 years after they hosted the third event in 1989.
- For the first time, The World Games will have an official torch and relay in 2025.
- In 2022, it was the first time a paralympic sport was part of the program. A wheelchair rugby tournament was held.
- Events for disabled athletes are part of the World Games programme.
- The World Games are broadcasted in every country of the world through the Olympic Channel, offering 24/7 content. Viewers can be assured of over 1,900 hours of content throughout the event.
Related Pages
- Hosts the of the World Games
- Sports of the World Games
- About other International Multi-Events
- More sporting trivia
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